BMW is a German multinational company which currently produces luxury automobiles and motorcycles, and also produced aircraft engines until 1945. The company was founded in 1916 and has its headquarters in Munich, Bavaria
Designers Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby collaborated with BMW to create a remarkable and memorable experience in the V&A’s Raphael Gallery.
Fascinated by the themes of movement and the perception of space, multi-disciplinary designers Edward Barber & Jay Osgerby devised an immersive, kinetic sculpture in conjunction with BMW that distorted the viewer’s sense of perspective as they viewed the Raphael Cartoons on display at the V&A, as well as the architecture of the room they were standing in.
Two revolving reflective structures, suspended in the centre of the gallery, provided an ever-changing view, at once disorientating and captivating. This feat of engineering, equally subtle and breathtaking in its approach, chimed perfectly with the technological innovation and precision that supporters BMW pride themselves in. Exploring themes of movement, experience and form, Barber & Osgerby revealed a deep-rooted interest in the science and history of aerospace, automotive and maritime manufacturing; echoing the monumental exhibits of the Victorian era, filling the vast space whilst simultaneously appearing invisible and weightless.
Karim Habib, Head of Design BMW Automobiles said “We are passionate about the aesthetics of motion, an experience which BMW Design translates into technical precision and poetic meaning. Barber & Osgerby reflect the design philosophy of the BMW brand in a kinetic installation: with its unusual dimensions, Double Space for BMW opens up new perspectives within the V&A’s Raphael Gallery while at the same time forging an alluring union of past and present.”
Supported by BMW.
Further support by SEAM and ETC.
